Our Story
Celebrating Life Since 1863
It was the year of the Emancipation Proclamation and a midpoint in the Civil War when Ferncliff was established. On June 27, 1863 Springfield City Council, led by Mr. William Warder, invited citizens to meet at the courthouse to discuss the purchase of land for a new cemetery to accommodate the city’s rapid growth. Springfield resident George F. Frey called for the creation of a cemetery association, appointing three citizens from each ward and four city council members to the group.
Samuel A. Bowman, a local attorney, suggested each member of the new cemetery association contribute a subscription, or loan, to further the project. Thus, the Springfield Cemetery Association was created.
On Sept. 3 1863, the Cemetery Association successfully purchased 70 acres of land from Henry Bechtle’s widow, Elizabeth, and their sons - with $300 from each of our founding members.
Original officers of the Springfield Cemetery Association included: A.C. Black, S.A. Bowman, E.B. Cassilly, S. Clark, John. F. Chorpening, George H. Coles, W.T. Cogswell, David Cooper, E.M. Doty, M.W. Fisher, G.S. Foos, John Foos, William Foos, George H. Frey, John Funk, James S. Goode, R.D. Harrison, John Ludlow, D.S. Morrow, J.S. Muzzy, Chas. P. Norris, Charles Rabbitts, I.B. Rawlins, Chandler Robbins, Robert Rodgers, D. Shaffer, Samuel Shellabarger, H.M. Shepherd, R.S. Spencer, J.D. Stewart, A.M. Stern, John Snyder, John H. Thomas, and William Warder.
Ferncliff Cemetery was officially dedicated on July 4, 1864.
“The fact is, our cemetery park, as a whole and in detail, is one of the finest things of its kind in America, and there is certainly nothing like it in Europe… Nowhere are the refinement and taste and true public spirit of our people more credibly illustrated than in Ferncliff” - The Springfield Republic, Oct. 11, 1886
Why “Ferncliff?”
The name Ferncliff signals the beautifully unique fern-covered cliffs located near today’s Plum Street entrance. Then, as now, Ferncliff stands unequaled in its beauty, landscape, and constant care.
Ferncliff currently contains 218 acres of land, with more than 80,000 burials that remain forever in our custody and care. It is a tribute to the dedication of our trustees that Ferncliff has enough space to satisfy the needs of our community until at least 2125.
How We Operate
Ferncliff Cemetery & Arboretum is governed by the Springfield Cemetery Association. Today, the association consists of 25 members and 9 trustees who shape the future of Ferncliff and further our mission: to serve the community with supportive, affordable, and inclusive end of life services in a beautiful, historic environment in perpetuity.
The association may elect any new member to fill a vacancy, and is also in charge of electing nine fellow members to the Board of Trustees [link to governing body page] to perform cemetery governance. Ferncliff’s Board of Trustees are volunteers who are committed to maintaining the cemetery’s historically high standards.
Proceeds from lot sales and other sources are Ferncliff’s means of financial support. After necessary expenses, proceeds are invested with the income directed towards perpetual maintenance. Thus, lot owners and their descendants are guaranteed their loved ones’ resting place is given continual care, as the Ferncliff Cemetery grounds are improved, enlarged, and beautified.
Ferncliff Foundation
The Ferncliff Foundation is a 501c3 organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of our beautiful, historic grounds and enhancing our service to our community.
Donations to the Ferncliff Foundation help support: preservation and development, educational programming and maintenance to ensure Ferncliff remains a welcoming community resource for generations to come.
What Can Ferncliff Do for You?
As an affordable, compassionate, and historic option for our community, Ferncliff has and will always choose to meet the needs of Springfield and Clark County. When you choose Ferncliff, you have the opportunity to tour the cemetery with a Family Services Advisor and make a final resting place selection, as unique as you or your loved one.
